Upper Limb in Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a complex neuromuscular disorder characterized by impaired movement and coordination, often resulting in significant gait abnormalities. The spectrum of motor function impairment varies greatly among individuals with CP, influenced by muscle control issues and specific types of cerebral palsy, including spasticity and ataxia. Gait analysis, comprising both observational and instrumented techniques, is essential for assessing gait patterns and identifying abnormalities. While observational gait analysis provides qualitative insights, instrumented gait analysis offers a detailed and objective assessment through motion capture technology, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of joint angles(Kinematics) and forces(Kinetics). Understanding gait patterns is crucial for making informed clinical decisions regarding therapeutic interventions such as surgery and orthotic management. Literature has demonstrated that gait analysis significantly improves surgical recommendations and outcomes, highlighting the importance of incorporating detailed gait data into treatment planning. However, limitations such as variability in data accuracy, the complexity of methods, and hesitancy among some orthopaedic surgeons to adopt these techniques need to be addressed. The integration of gait analysis into clinical practice represents a paradigm shift in the management of cerebral palsy, transitioning treatment from an art to a science. It enables clinicians to tailor interventions based on individual biomechanical profiles, ultimately enhancing the functional ability and quality of life for patients. Continued research and standardized practices are essential to maximize the effectiveness of gait analysis in this population, ensuring that children withe cerebral palsy receive the most appropriate and effective care. Keywords: Gait Analysis, Cerebral Palsy, Instrumented Gait Lab